Trust is the Foundation that both personal and professional relationships are built on. You can learn through Life Training.
When a building is being constructed, the preliminary groundwork is critically important. You have to lay a strong Foundation. Because, if the Foundation is faulty, the whole building will be unstable. Small problems will become big. Small cracks will ultimately lead to great damage. But, on the other hand, if the Foundation is solid, the building will be stable and stand firm … for a long time… even under tremendous stress.
The same is true when building relationships. We need to have a solid Foundation on which to build. If we don’t, the whole structure of the relationship is in danger. If we have a solid Foundation based on trust, we can both expect and experience long lasting meaningful relationships.
As a powerful leader you have to take personal responsibility to building trust in your relationships through Life Training. Don’t be like that little old lady who went to the grocery store to complain to the grocer. “There’s something wrong with this flour you sold me,” she said. “It’s too tough. This morning I made biscuits with it and my husband could hardly eat them.” That’s like some leaders. “It’s not my fault!” That breeds mistrust!
We all know that for well over 2,000 years the world’s great religions have taught the virtues of a trusting heart. That’s a theological reason. Now, there is another reason to heed the wisdom of the ages. … a physiological reason. Scientific evidence now indicates that those with trusting hearts will live longer, healthier lives.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Is it all about the money? (Time for a major lesson of Life Training)
Think about this … A couple was having a heated discussion regarding the family finances. Finally the husband exploded. He said, “You know, if it weren’t for my money, this television set wouldn’t be here. And if it weren’t for my money, that easy chair you’re sitting in wouldn’t be here. AND, if it weren’t for my money, this house wouldn’t be here.” The wife looked at him and said, “Are you kidding? If it weren’t for your money, I wouldn’t be here!”
Well, unfortunately, her motive was all wrong. To build a strong Foundation in your company … or your family you need to build trust.
Here are seven ways to help you build trust.
Number 1. Trust builds when you always tell the truth.
Some people seem to embellish or exaggerate EVERYTHING. They can take the simple truth and twist it till it’s unrecognizable.
Let’s look at this one old boy’s job description. In writing up his resume for a full-time position, an applicant described his summer job as … Purchasing, being responsible for the accuracy of daily cash transactions, and maintaining the morale, alertness, and well-being of the entire office staff. Actually …he went out for coffee.
Always tell the truth and you’ll never have to remember what you said!
Number 2. Trust builds over time.
This simply means that a leader sticks in there for an extended time. Relationships are built slowly and surely. Trust, like pouring any firm foundation, is a process. Clear the land. Do a survey. Lay out positioning markers. Dig and level. Pour the concrete. Let it harden … over time … it cures and hardens … so a huge building can be built on top of it.
Number 3. Trust builds when you are consistent.
1. Stay consistent with your Message, stay focused.
2. Stay consistent with your Vision, you have to put on the blinders … have tunnel vision.
3. Stay consistent with your Actions. Will your personal actions be in alignment with the things you’ve taught your team? Don’t say one thing and do another.
Number 4. Trust builds when you are reliable
Are you a person of your word?
If you make an appointment, are you there on time?
Do you keep a promise?
Number 5. Trust builds when you are vulnerable.
Are you truthful and open about yourself?
About what is really happening behind the scenes?
Do your people feel tricked or duped when the whole story comes out?
Number 6. Trust builds when you show dedication.
When Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa, a group of friends wrote him: “We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area, yet?” According to a member of his family, Dr. Livingstone sent this message in reply: “If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.”
Number 7. Trust builds when you demonstrate humility.
A true leader is humble, yet convinced of his role. A true leader is contrite when wrong, yet convinced he’s competent to continue.
Life will humble you if you refuse to humble yourself.
One of the greatest power principles I can teach you is to build trust. It’s powerful! You cannot perform at a peak level if people cannot trust you. If they can trust you … they will be around for lifetime.
Gary Eby, a member of the Jim Rohn Speaker Bureau, is gifted to teach deep truths in a clear and easily understandable style. His messages are power-packed and often filled with laughter and practical illustrations. He has shared the stage with great speakers such as Jim Rohn and Les Brown. Not only is Gary a sought after speaker, but he is also an author whose personal development book Lefthanded Soldiers has received worldwide attention. You may receive a free copy at www.garyeby.com/freebook.htm
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